Guided Fly Fishing in Nelson, New Zealand is world renowned for its spectacular fly fishing locations. Stalking and site casting to big wild brown trout in crystal clear water is a fly fishermans dream come true.
Your chance of a trophy trout could only be a cast away!
This region repeatedly records the most sunshine hours of all of New Zealand, combined with the crystal clear waters and dozens of rivers and streams to choose from, the guided fly fishing experience offered from Stonefly Fishing Lodge can be most memorable. Average catch size of brown trout in this region is approx 4lb-5lb, with catches of 8lb plus quite common and the chance of a trophy 10lb brown trout may only be a cast away.
The wide choice of rivers available from Stonefly Fishing Lodge enables guests to experience relatively gentle flowing easy access rivers to more adventurous back country streams requiring more accurate casting and a suitable level of fitness. The location also allows a wide choice of rivers from different catchment systems enabling the fly fishing guides to pick the most appropriate fly fishing destination according to the various flow rates at a particular time of year.
"The Motueka River supports one of New Zealand's highest trout populations and recent drift dives indicate populations of 100-500 trout per kilometre."
(Fish and Game NZ)
"The Wangapeka River has some of the clearest water in New Zealand"
Country Calender TV programme, June 2008)
"The best day fly fishing EVER”
Tom & Meg NSW, Australia Nov 2011
( Meg are very experienced fly fishers and have fly fished New Zealand on 17 occasions, now 5 times from Stonefly Lodge)
Stonefly Fishing Lodge is ideally situated on the banks of the Motueka River between the confluence of the Wangapeka River and the confluence of the Baton River allowing our guests immediate access to some of the best fly fishing waters in New Zealand.
Further afield, within an hours drive, guests can access dozens of quality fly fishing streams and rivers within the Nelson Lakes and northern Murchison region. With the aid of a helicopter dozens more fly fishing locations become available to guests at Stonefly Fishing Lodge.
Stonefly Fishing Lodge is ideally located only a few kilometres from the eastern boundary of Kahurangi National Park and it is this vast expanse of wilderness that encapsulates some of the most spectacular high country and remote fly fishing river systems in New Zealand.
The Karamea, Roaring Lion, Crow and Mohikinui Rivers are just some of the world renown rivers in this National Park which offer the fly fisherman a chance to catch a trophy fish (catches of 7lb brown trout and above are common). Your helicopter departs from, and returns to, our own exclusive helipad just in front of the Lodge on the banks of the Motueka River.
Because of the close proximity of the Lodge to the Heli-fishing hot spots we can keep the costs quite competitive. Costs will vary depending on the number of people on each trip and the destination chosen. You will be dropped off in the morning and with your guide, you will walk upstream on the chosen waters to be picked up again by the helicopter at a prearranged location to allow the best chance to hook the dream trout. Your guide will have all the necessary safety gear, lunch and snacks required for the day's adventure. Viewing the spectacular scenery by air on the way into these remote locations is an integral part of the enjoyment of the Heli-Fishing experience. Scenery made famous by the "Lord of the Rings " trilogy (Middle Earth) can be viewed in this region.
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Stonefly Fishing Lodge can be a base for many different fly fishing experiences and we can offer guided two and three day excursions to some spectacular remote locations in high country waters in the region which involve overnight accommodation in DOC (Department of Conservation) Huts.
All sleeping gear, safety gear and meals are catered for. Access to the start of the excursions can be by road, boat or helicopter depending on the location chosen and all packages take you into some of New Zealand's most pristine wilderness fly fishing environments.
These trip options access very remote waters with the lure of exceptional fly fishing experiences, however a moderate to high level of fitness is required according to the various flow rates and weather conditions at a particular time of the year.
Please for specific itineraries available.
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The fly fishing waters around Stonefly Fishing Lodge area are quite accessible and some provide quite easy wading and casting conditions, however we do recommend using a local fly fishing guide on most occasions to improve your chances of catching the sometimes elusive and cunning brown trout.
Stalking and spotting the trout, selecting the correct fly, and then making that perfect cast are all aided by the presence of a fly fishing guide. On each day your local fly fishing guide will choose a particular river or stream to fish on the basis of his knowledge of the current weather forecast, various river levels, potential hatch conditions and clients ability in both casting and fitness level.
All our fly fishing guides are local to the region and have years of experience fly fishing the same waters, and they have been selected for both their fly fishing expertise and just as importantly their ability to make your fly fishing in New Zealand experience an enjoyable and memorable occasion.
Our fly fishing guides will be selected to suit each angler’s needs, whether it be a novice wanting to learn the basics of the sport and have casting lessons, or an experienced fly fisherman wanting to head high up into the back country for the catch
of a lifetime.
All our fly fishing guides are members of the New Zealand professional Guides Association (NZPGA).
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Whilst the Lodge can provide all fly fishing gear, if you prefer to bring your own we recommend the following:
Rod
5 -6 weight, 8ft 6' to 9ft.
Reels
Reels should hold 100 metres plus of backing and have a good drag system.
Fly Line
Floating line to suit the rod weight, with double taper or weight forward most suitable. We recommend the use of dull natural colours such as olive, green or grey.
Leaders
Should be 9ft to 14ft tapered down to 10lb (3X), tippets would vary from 6lb to 2lb (5X) depending on the water being fished.
Waders
Good quality breathable waders.
Wading Boots
Studded rubber soles rather than felt soles are now required on New Zealand waters.
Vest
We recommend vests with natural or camouflage colours as with any other type of clothing.
Flies
Your fly fishing guide will provide advice on which fly to use on each occasion, and flies will be available from the Lodge. Please contact us for our extensive fact sheet on flies, (sizes and colours) for this region. The Lodge has an extensive fly tying station for guests who would like to tie their own special flies.
Misc
Polaroid glasses, insect repellent, wide brim hat, raincoat, sunblock cream, and a camera to capture the unforgettable moments.
The Lodge stocks a wide variety of top quality SIMMS waders and boots, and SAGE fly rod and reels, which are available to guests complimentary.
Enjoy one of New Zealand's ultimate guided fly fishing experiences in the beautiful Nelson lakes region . Our guides are all qualified fly fishing guides and are members of the New Zealand professional guides Association.
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Contact Us: Phone: +64 3 522 4479 • Email: